A Division News

Inverleith

with you

May 2011

for you

work with us to create a positive force in your community.

thefts to garden sheds and garages, as well as a rise in the number of ‘bogus callers’. I would always encourage you to be aware of people trying to gain access to your home, or those selling services door – to – door.

The summer months can often also signal a rise in street drinking, and we continually work with our partners in the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure this does not bring a rise in anti social behaviour or associated crime. Drinking in public spaces is not an offence in Edinburgh, however we will ensure it does not affect the enjoyment of others living or visiting the area, including enforcing byelaws that are in place in areas of the city. Finally, I’m sure many of you will have seen coverage of the Royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. While we do not expect the same crowds to descend on Edinburgh for the wedding of Zara Phillips and Mike Tyndall in July, our events planning sections are still making plans for this event to ensure it passes without incident and is a success. This, combined with the upcoming Armed Forces Day, means we are guaranteed a busy and exciting summer of policing ahead.

Crime Prevention

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Ch Supt Gill Imery

The recent run of good weather has been a welcome introduction to the summer months, with more people out enjoying the sunshine and mild temperatures. In policing terms, this change in season can often spell a shift in the types of crime that are committed. In particular, we can often see a rise in crimes such as

As mentioned, visits from Bogus Workers tend to increase in the summer months, below is some advice on how to help ensure you don’t fall victim • Cold Callers/Bogus Workmen turn up on the doorstep unannounced with good excuses such as ‘just happen to be working in the area’ ‘ you have some loose slates.’ Never let a casual caller do any work on your property; be that gardening; roofing or laying/repairing your drive. Thank them and inform them that your tradesman will look at it. Most reputable companies do not operate in this manner. • What do Bogus Workmen look like? They are usually very plausible people dressed for the part.

Who is at risk from them and when? We all are but they tend to prey on the more vulnerable and will usually call through the day. • What can you do? Be prepared. Are you expecting someone to call? Check the person on the doorstep is genuine; most service providers carry identification, use the phone book to get the telephone number to contact the company to confirm. Best of all only deal with callers by appointment. • Don’t keep large sums of money in your home. • Keep front and back doors locked even if you are just in the garden. If suspicious persons are in the area - phone the police – give a good description of them and most importantly give the registration number, make/ model, and colour of any vehicle involved.

A Division News

Inverleith

May 2011

Local Operations and Initiatives Lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, power tools and other valuable gardening implements are often in a shed with reduced levels of security. Thieves know that with very little effort they can reap rich rewards for their crimes. Break-ins to garden sheds and thefts from gardens are common, so don’t let the thieves spoil your favourite pastime. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to outsmart these garden raiders: The Boundary fence or wall at the back of your

Police have seen an increase in properties under renovation being targeted by criminals. Often doors and windows are temporary measures and do not offer a suitable level of security. The material used for boarding up windows and doors should not be easily forced off. Properties secured with a padlock and hasp can be simply unscrewed. With older doors and windows, consider fitting extra bolts and locks. Doors should have two locks, the current standard is BS3621:2007, whilst the type of locks used on windows will depend on the style of window. Alarm the premises, police advise that any system fitted is a monitored system with confirmation technology. Get contractors to remove expensive tools at the end of each working day and have signs stating that all tools have been removed. If tools cannot be removed, then ensure that there are suitable locking boxes/cabinets behind a number of other locking doors so thet there are a number of barriers to overcome. Limit the amount of desirable building materials/fixtures and

house should be built in such a way that it is difficult to climb. Aggressive/prickly planting can be used in areas of the garden that could be accessed – the denser this grows the better. Use a good quality closed shackle padlock (look for Sold Secure products) on your shed door and the hasp and door hinges should be attached using coach bolts, non return screws or drill over screw heads to prevent removal. Lace a chain through the handles of garden of forks, spades, bicycles etc. This will prevent a thief from being able to remove single items. Security mark your bicycles, lawnmowers, toolboxes and garden furniture, by engraving, painting or using a security marker pen. Items like solar lights and gnomes etc that are not secured can be easily stolen. Fit an internal wire mesh grille to protect your shed window. Install security lighting to illuminate your garden. Fit a shed alarm as these only cost a few pounds and can be bought on-line or from most DIY retailers.

fittings on site. If scaffolding is used, check the security of the whole building, not just at the ground floor. Lock garden gates, check perimeter fencing, are there points where people can climb easily into the area, if so, get it fixed. Consider installing perimeter lighting around the building, preferably dusk to dawn. Ask neighbours to keep an eye on on your home if you are not living there and ask that contractors are vigilant, secure all tools and materials.

A Division News

Inverleith

May 2011

Appeal for information l There has been continued reports of potential bogus callers, and the police continue to investigate and seek help and assistance from the public. The following advice has been once again issued to the public: ’We would urge anyone who receives an unsolicited call at their property by any individual claiming to be employed by a company or organisation to ask for identification. It is important to take time to scrutinise their identification, and if you are still not satisfied, then you should deny them access and contact the organisation they claim to represent to verify their identity. Similarly, if anyone has any suspicions over the intentions of any cold caller, then they should contact police immediately.’ Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

On the 1st May 2011, every Community Policing poster on Lothian and Borders Police website was refreshed. New posters will soon be put up in every council ward area in the Force. Our Community Commitment promises:

Local Priorities The new priorities from the Inverleith Clean, Green & Safe group were set in March and will be renewed on the 10th May 2011. They were the new play park at Easter Drylaw Park, the cycle/ walkways in the ward and the continuation of the congregation of people at the Drylaw Shopping Centre. The play park has recently been refurbished and increased patrols have continued in and around the park and there have been no reported acts of vandalism or damage. The cycle paths and walkways have benefited from increased patrolling by officers on foot, bicycles and horses. The neighbouring ward areas are also conducting similar patrols. Crime prevention advice has been offered and posters displayed within the ward as bicycle thefts are on the increase. Meetings with retailers at the shops continue to try and identify a long term solution along with increased patrolling from police and CEC staff.

* to make sure your local officers are visible and accessible in your area * to make sure you know who the police officers serving your area are, and how to contact them The Community Policing posters are designed to help you get to know the community officers in your area, and give their phone numbers and email contact details. They also give the postal address for the police station serving your area. The posters will be refreshed again in six month’s time. To find out more, see ‘Contact your local officer’

Contacts

May 2011

A Division City of Edinburgh help and advice Lothian and Borders Police Non emergency 0131 311 3131

Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service (freephone) Fire safety advice: 0800 169 0320 [email protected] Lothian Gay and Lesbian Switchboard 0131 556 4049 0131 557 0751 (lesbian) Samaritans For emotional advice if you are feeling depressed or suicidal: 0131 221 9999 (Edinburgh) 08457 90 90 90 (National) Shakti Women’s Aid Support and information for black minority ethnic women experiencing domestic abuse: 0131 475 2399 Update Signposts people with disability to a wide range of services: 0131 669 1600

Victim Support 01896 751 212

National Missing Persons Helpline 0500 700 700

Women’s Aid 0131 3158 110

Runaway Helpline 0808 800 7070

National freephone helplines

Scottish Domestic Abuse Line 0800 027 1234

(calls may not be free from mobile phones) Breathing Space For emotional advice if you are feeling depressed: 0800 838 587 Childline Help for people aged 18 or under: 0800 11 11

Shelter’s Free Housing Advice Helpline 0808 800 4444 Stonewall Lesbian, gay and bisexual charity: 08000 50 20 20 Womens Aid 0808 2000 247

Know the Score Free confidential drugs information and advice: 0800 587 587 9

Crimestoppers

Message Home Get a message home for free if you have run away: 0800 700 740

Contact your Local SNT

National Debtline 0808 808 4000 National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247

0800 5551111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Email : ADivSNTInverleith@lbp. pnn.police.uk Tel : 0131 311 3131